Whether you feel you've been in a rut lately or you find yourself daydreaming about having something more to look forward to each day, you don't have to keep that wish just a nice thought. In many ways, life is what you make it. Refresh your morning routine and you'll not only have a more enjoyable start to each day, but that good feeling will linger, giving you more energy to tackle your daily tasks. Even purchasing something simple like a Clock Radio can make a difference.

Get to Bed on Time

Refreshing your morning routine starts with what you do the night before. A good night's sleep is crucial to a better morning. It will also allow you to get up a little earlier so you can incorporate something new into your routine.

Identify What's Missing

If you simply have a vague craving for something new or different, figure out what it is you are missing. Do you take care of everyone else's needs so much that you never have time for your own pampering in the morning? Are you getting an adequate and enjoyable breakfast? Are you simply bored? Rushed and stressed? Determine what specific issue you need to address. Perhaps you are really struggling to actually get out of bed? If so, a clock radio would be a good idea since it can wake you up with music rather than an irritating alarm. Try putting it on the opposite side of your room to your bed so that you have to get up in order to turn it off.

Make Time for You

Whatever your issue is, make the time to take care of it. If it's simply a matter of wanting to linger over breakfast or have more time to get ready for work, then the solution is as easy as getting up earlier or, if you have children, asking your partner to take care of the children's needs some mornings.

Shake Up Breakfast

Instead of the same old cereal or coffee and bagel, stock your kitchen with more choices. Buy several types of fruit, different baked goods, ingredients for your favorite egg dishes, smoothies, yoghurts or anything else you want. Think outside the cereal box; who says you can't have a typical lunch menu at breakfast, or something European, for example?

Wake Up Your Body

Take a short, brisk walk around the block each morning. Run on your treadmill. Turn on music and dance around the kitchen while waiting for your coffee to finish. Exercising relieves stress and releases endorphins, making you feel energized and ready to tackle your day.

Listen to Learn

Use commuting time to learn about something you've always meant to get around to learning. Consider language lessons, gardening tips, classical literature, financial advice €" whatever self-help or other topic interests you. Then check your local library or go online for books on CD or podcasts you can listen to while you drive.

Refresh your morning routine and your days will seem less of a chore and more an enjoyable time for you.